No. H074/11
For release - August 17, 2011
ST. CATHARINES, ONTARIO — Rick Dykstra, MP for St. Catharines and Jim Bradley, MPP for St. Catharines, today marked the completion of the widening of the Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW) through St. Catharines. These improvements will reduce congestion and improve safety, as well as increase the flow of commercial vehicles to and from the border.
"The widening of the QEW demonstrates our commitment to work with provincial partners in order to improve the quality of life for St. Catharines' families living in this important corridor," said MP Dykstra. "These additional lanes will give people more time with their families while creating jobs and shortening commute times."
"This is great news for everyone who uses this highway. By keeping traffic moving we are strengthening our economy and we will improve road safety for all," said MPP Bradley.
In this period of global economic uncertainty, the Government of Canada continues to take action to stimulate the economy, create jobs, and have a more prosperous future. The total cost for the entire project was approximately $186 million, with the Government of Canada contributing $41.25 million and the Province of Ontario contributing $144.75 million.
The Government of Canada's funding for this project comes from the $600-million Border Infrastructure Fund. This fund provides assistance for infrastructure projects that reduce border congestion, improve the flow of goods and services and expand existing infrastructure.
The QEW is the major trade corridor linking the Greater Toronto Area to the Niagara region and the United States. It is the principal transportation link to four international crossings — the Queenston-Lewiston, Rainbow, Whirlpool and Peace Bridges — over the Niagara River to New York State.
The QEW was widened from four to six lanes along a 9.4-kilometre stretch, from Highway 406 to the Garden City Skyway, through St. Catharines. The project consisted of two phases. The first one, the widening of Henley Bridge in St. Catharines, was completed in 2007. The second one included the broadening of the QEW from two to three lanes in each direction; construction of a concrete median barrier; the addition of drainage capacity; replacement of two underpass structures; rehabilitation / widening of three overpass structures and one underpass structure; installation of noise walls in residential areas; and the addition of paved shoulders and lighting.
Investing in Ontario's roads, highways, transit, hospitals and schools is part of the provincial government's plan to create jobs, grow local economies and ensure the province remains strong and competitive for years to come.
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